Three Tankers Struck Near Strait of Hormuz as Oil Prices Stay Near $100

Three Tankers Struck Near Strait of Hormuz as Oil Prices Stay Near $100

At least three tankers have been struck by unidentified projectiles in and around the Strait of Hormuz since October 1. The attacks have raised fresh fears about the safety of one of the world’s most important oil shipping routes.

Early on Saturday, a crude oil tanker was hit on its port side about four nautical miles east of Oman. That followed two incidents on Friday. In one, an outbound ship suffered a small fire and lost power. In the other, a second crude tanker was hit close by.

On Thursday, Iran’s Fars news agency reported that a supertanker carrying 2.5 million barrels of oil caught fire off Oman. Fars said the ship was using an unauthorized route.

The UK Maritime Trade Operations office says the attacks mark a sharp jump in strikes on commercial shipping in the area.

Iran’s version of events differs. Iranian state media, citing the Persian Gulf Strait Authority, says seven tankers were targeted over five days. It named three ships as repeat violators: Al Ruwais, Sinbad, and Mersin Prosperity. Tehran claims all three are owned or chartered by the United Arab Emirates.

Last Tuesday, a Revolutionary Guard spokesman warned that any vessel crossing without Iran’s permission could be attacked or could hit a mine.

The Strait of Hormuz carries a large share of the world’s oil supply. Brent crude is hovering around $100 a barrel, even after the G7 agreed to release 100 million barrels from emergency reserves to ease prices.

Sources:
– https://www.timesnownews.com/world/tankers-hit-near-strait-of-hormuz-as-oil-prices-stay-near-100-despite-g7-reserve-release-article-156270243